Philadelphia means "love of a brother"
or "brotherly love." It was named after the person that founded
it, Attalus Philadelphus and was a town of Lydia, in Asia Minor. The town
was approximately 28 miles south-southeast of Sardis and was located in
a rich agricultural area. Philadelphia was subject to frequent earthquakes.
The town was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It long remained a Christian
city and was the Christian outpost in Asia Minor, when it fell about 1390.
It still stands, a modern Turkish town of about 25,000, called Alashehir
(or Allah Shehr, meaning "city of God").

The church in Philadelphia was the best
of the seven churches. It was one of only two churches that had no rebukes;
Smyrna was the other. Both had a problem with those that said they were
Jews but were not. The word "repent" does not appear in this
church. The hour of temptation (or Tribulation) is mentioned, as well
as Jesus saying, "I come quickly." New Jerusalem is also mentioned.

Apparently, the Philadelphia church heeded
the advice given to the previous church, Sardis. They strengthened those
things from Sardis; as it was written, BE WATCHFUL, AND STRENGTHEN THE
THINGS WHICH REMAIN, THAT ARE READYTO DIE-Rev 3:2.

Perhaps, as Sardis protested against Thyatira,
Philadelphia protested and came out of the dead Protestant and state church,
called Sardis. Here was a church that had returned to sound doctrine.
There was a renewed focus on evangelism, a revival of holiness and truth.
It had "a little strength." It kept God's Word and did not deny
the name of Jesus. It was a persevering church of brotherly love.

Many great evangelistic revivals and missionary
efforts came forth from this revived church.

The church of brotherly love

The approximate period represented
is 1750 to 1948 (some may say to 1900 or 1917)

Seven descriptions of Jesus

Four items of what God has done or
will do

Four good things

No bad things

Six items of general information

Two items of advice on what to do
and why

Seven rewards

3:7. AND TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH
IN PHILADELPHIA WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH HE THAT IS HOLY, HE THAT IS
TRUE, HE THAT HATH (or holds) THE KEY OF DAVID, HE THAT OPENETH, AND NO
MAN SHUTTETH; AND SHUTTETH, AND NO MAN OPENETH (or what He opens, no one
can shut; and what He shuts, no one can open-NIV).

3:7.It begins, saying, AND TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH INPHILADELPHIA
WRITE. THESE THINGS SAITH (or are the words of). Next the subject
turns to Jesus. The verse addresses Him as:

DESCRIPTIONS OF JESUS1751-5A-4

1. HE THAT IS
HOLY2. HE THAT IS TRUE3. HE THAT HATH (or holds) THE
KEY OF DAVID4. HE THAT OPENETH5. AND NO MAN SHUTTETH6. HE THAT...SHUTTETH7. AND NO MAN OPENETH

Jesus is holy and true.

The key of David may be referring to Isa
22:22-AND THE KEY OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID WILL I LAY UPON HIS (Eliakim)
SHOULDER; SO HE SHALL OPEN, AND NONE SHALL SHUT; AND HE SHALL SHUT, AND
NONE SHALL OPEN.

Jesus is the One that opens opportunities,
doors, even all things. When all seems impossible, Jesus makes a way where
there is no way. He opens doors of ministry, and no man can shut them.
Yet when Jesus closes the door, no man can open it. NOT BY MIGHT, NOR
BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS-Zech 4:6.

3:8. I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds):
BEHOLD, I HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AN OPEN DOOR, AND NO MAN CAN SHUT IT: FOR
THOU HAST A LITTLE STRENGTH (or power), AND HAST KEPT MY WORD, AND HAST
NOT DENIED MY NAME. Ref Mt 17:20; 2 Cor 12:9.

3:8. Begins
with a series of words that are repeated in each of the churches-

I KNOW THY WORKS.
This is addressed to the church, in general, as well as the individual.
God knows the works of His people, things done both in the open and in
secret.

WHAT GOD HAS DONE OR
WILL DO1752-5A-4

1. I HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AN OPEN DOOR-v.8.

2. AND NO MAN CAN SHUT IT-v.8.
Because this church had a little strength, God set before them an open
door, which no man could shut. Indeed, this proved to be a great age of
evangelism with sound doctrine, as God opened doors of opportunity for
them. God opened doors, and the Philadelphia church was ready to walk
through them.

3. I WILL MAKE THEM TO COME AND WORSHIP
BEFORE THYFEET (or fall down at your feet-NIV)-v.9.

4. I WILL MAKE THEM...TO KNOW
THAT I HAVE LOVED THEE-v.9. Jesus loved this church. The exact timing
of when these last two promises would come to pass is unclear.

GOOD THINGS1753-5A-4

1. FOR THOU HAST A LITTLE STRENGTH-v.8.
We are reminded, IF YE HAVE FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED, YE SHALL
SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN, REMOVE HENCE...AND IT SHALL REMOVE-Mt 17:20. We
are further reminded of the words of Jesus, MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT
IN WEAKNESS-2 Cor 12:9.

There is an intellectual belief of God's
Word, and then there is the kind of belief (or faith) that obeys and keeps
God's Word. This church heard God's Word and were also doers of God's
Word.

GENERAL INFORMATION1754-5A-4

3:9. BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEM (who
are) OF THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN, WHICH SAY (or claim) THEY ARE JEWS, AND
ARE NOT, BUT DO LIE; BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEM TO COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE
THY FEET (or fall down at your feet-NIV), AND TO KNOW (or acknowledge)
THAT I HAVE LOVED THEE. Ref Rev 1:5; 2:9; 3:19.

3:9.

1. I WILL MAKE THEM (who are)

OF THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN,WHICH SAY (or claim)

THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT DO
LIE-v.9. (Please see the commentary on Rev 2:9.)
There was opposition to this church. At this time, many Jews opposed the
message of BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH-Eph 2:8, and that faith
must be in Jesus the Messiah.

2. THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION...SHALL
COME UPON ALL THE WORLD-v.10 It may be said, the Tribulation shall
come upon all those that have made the earth their home. The home of the
saints is with Jesus.

3. THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION...SHALL
COME...TO TRY (or test)

THEM THATDWELL UPON THE EARTH-v.10. The hour of temptation is another name
for the Tribulation, which is yet to come upon all the world. One reason
for this will be to test people.

3:11. BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY (or
I am coming soon): HOLD THAT FAST WHICH THOU HAST (or hold on to what
you have-NIV), (so) THAT NO MAN (will) TAKE THY CROWN. Rap, A, Rew.

3:11.

4. I COME QUICKLY (or I am coming
soon)-v.11

5. THE NAME OF THE CITYOF MY
GOD...IS NEW JERUSALEM-v.12. Note the words of Jesus in reference
to God the Father: Jesus said, "MY GOD."

6. NEW JERUSALEM...COMETH DOWN
OUT OF HEAVEN FROM MY GOD-v.12. Jesus chose to give some additional
information about New Jerusalem. It is the city of God the Father. It
comes down out of heaven from the Father.

ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO
AND WHY1755-5A-4

3:11.

1. HOLD THAT FAST WHICH
THOU HAST (or hold on to what you have-NIV)-v.11. Philadelphia was
subject to earthquakes, which may lend insight to some of the problems
they had to go through. Through this we may note the advice to "HOLD
FAST" or "stand fast, even in the midst of the
earthquakes (or difficulties) that may come upon you." Beware of
temptations that will try to cause you to deviate from correct doctrine,
discernment, and works.

Note the words:

HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD-1 Thes 5:21.

HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS-2 Tim
1:13.

HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE AND THE REJOICING
OF THE HOPE FIRM UNTO THE END-Heb 3:6.

HOLD FAST OUR PROFESSION-Heb 4:14.

HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH
WITHOUT WAVERING-Heb 10:23.

HOLD FAST TILL I COME-Rev 2:25.

HOLD FAST, AND REPENT-Rev 3:3.

WATCH YE, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH-1 Cor
16:13.

STAND FAST. IN THE LIBERTY...BE
NOT ENTANGLED AGAIN WITH THE YOKE OF BONDAGE-Gal 5:1.

STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT-Phili 1:27.

STAND FAST IN THE LORD-Phili 4:1; 1 Thes
3:8.

STAND FAST, AND HOLD THE TRADITIONS WHICH
YE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT-2 Thes 2:15.

2. THAT NO MAN (will)

TAKE THY CROWN-v.11.
Which crown (of the several mentioned in the Scriptures) this is referring
to, is not specified here. Some believe it is talking about the "crown
of life."

REWARDS1756-5A-4

1. A crown is promised to this church, if they hold fast-v.11.

3:10. BECAUSE THOU HAST KEPT
THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE (or My command to endure patiently-NIV), I ALSO
WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION (or trial), WHICH SHALL COME
UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY (or test) THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH. P,
Rap, Rew, T.

3:10.

2. I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR
OF TEMPTATION (or trial)-v.10. Note God's Word,

"BECAUSE THOU HAST KEPT THE WORD"
then it goes on

OF MYPATIENCE
(or endure patiently), then the promise follows of being kept from
the hour of temptation, which is the Tribulation. Clearly, the
promise here is they will not enter any part of the Tribulation. Any Philadelphia-type
Christians that might be in the Laodicean church age will be raptured.

3:12. HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL
I MAKE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD, AND HE SHALL GO NO MORE OUT (or
never again will he leave it-NIV): AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM THE NAME
OF MY GOD, AND THE NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD, WHICH IS NEW JERUSALEM,
WHICH COMETH DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN FROM MY GOD: AND I WILL WRITE UPON HIM
MY NEW NAME. Ref Rev 19:12. P, Rew, NJ.

3:12.
HIM THAT OVERCOMETH. (Note the commentary on overcoming, under Rev
2:7.) The reward is,

3. WILL I MAKE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE
OF MY GOD-v.12. This seems to be referring to standing in glory, as
opposed to those that did not overcome.

4. HE SHALL GO NO MORE OUT-v.12.

5. I WILL WRITE UPON HIM THE NAME OF
MY GOD-v.12.

6. I WILL WRITE UPON HIM...THE
NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD-v.12. The name New Jerusalem
shall be written upon those that overcome.

7. I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME-v.12.
Note, Jesus has a "NEW NAME," which is written upon us. We also
receive a new name-ref Rev 2:17. This shows we belong to Christ.

3:13. HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET
HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.

3:13. HE THAT HATH AN EAR,
LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES. (Note the commentary
under Rev 2:7.) Even in this church there appear to be some that do not
have an ear to hear. In the first three churches, the rewards followed
this exhortation. "He that hath an ear" concludes the message
to this church.

THE SEVENTH CHURCH:
LAODICEA1757 to 1772-5A-4

THE SEVENTH CHURCH:
LAODICEA(Commentary)
1758-5A-4

Laodicea
means "human rights" or "the rights of the people."
Thus, this was a church governed by the will of the people, rather than
the will of God.

Laodicea was located on a trade route,
about forty miles southeast of Philadelphia in the country known, today,
as Turkey. Supposedly, it was named after Laodice, the wife of the Seleucid
monarch, Antiochus II. It was a large, fortified city, constructed during
the middle of the third century B.C. Laodicea produced a fine black wool
from the local sheep. It boasted a medical school, which produced a well-known
eye medicine, called "Phrygian powder." (Laodicea was the capital
of Phrygia.) Water was brought in by a special, six mile long, aqueduct
system from nearby cities. Sunlight heated the water to lukewarm. The
city was reportedly destroyed by an earthquake, about 34 years prior to
John writing this letter but was rebuilt. It had become a Christian city.
Paul was very concerned over this church; as it is written, Col 2:1-FOR
I WOULD THAT YE KNEW WHAT GREAT CONFLICT I HAVE.FOR THEM AT LAODICEA.
It may be said that Paul was very concerned about their spiritual condition.

The city was later destroyed by the Moslems,
during the Middle Ages, and abandoned; its desolate ruins remain today.
These ruins, apparently, reveal a wealthy financial and commercial center
with temples and theaters. Luxury and pride would seem to go hand in hand
with such things.

SUMMARY OF THE LAODICEAN
CHURCH1759-5A-4

There are eleven bad things and no good
things mentioned of the Laodicean church in Rev 3:14-22. It seems this
church has forgotten that Jesus is the ultimate Authority, He is true,
and He is the true Judge. They have forgotten that He is faithful, He
is God Almighty, and He created all things.

It is the most heavily rebuked and deceived
church in the history of the church age; however, it sees itself as "the
best." It is the only church of the seven in which the entire church
will be spit out (rejected).

This church is described as lukewarm,
indifferent, not concerned with right and wrong, or with good and evil.
They take a neutral position: one of "live and let live; don't rock
the boat; and don't cause waves." They are trying to serve two masters-God
and self (or the world). They are positive they are right. At best, their
understanding of God's Word, obedience, sin, repentance, and the fruits
of the Spirit, is only lukewarm.

It is the worst of all the seven churches,
yet the most confident. They claim they are rich, increased with goods,
and have need of nothing; however, God judges them to be wretched,
which is the result of having no faith or faith like a wave. It comes
from a lack of truth, sound doctrine, and understanding. They are miserable,
tossed about with all kinds of incorrect doctrines, which come in like
the wind from every direction. They are poor in wisdom, in knowledge,
in faith, and in the Word of God. They are not zealous for the truth,
but are blind to their true condition and to Satan's schemes. They
think their condition is just the opposite of what it really is. They
gather around themselves teachers that say what their selfishness, emotions,
and deceived hearts want to hear. They are shamefully naked. They
do not have on the white garments of righteousness, but are clothed with
the black wool of deceit, which is no clothing at all. This church is
shown to be naked, but they do not know these things. They are positive
they are saved, but are positively wrong. THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT-Pv
14:16. One of the most appalling aspects of this church is, they are totally
ignorant of all these things. They are unaware of their true spiritual
condition. They are, sometimes, willingly ignorant. They are sometimes
so deceived and blind that they do not even recognize that the letter
to the church of the Laodiceans is actually a letter to them.
As a result, they do not seek to change or repent. It may be said, these
are people that go to church, sing spiritual songs, pray to God, and then
Monday through Saturday live as if Jesus does not exist. They behave as
if they will never have to face the judgment.

Laodiceans are told to buy of Jesus gold
that is refined by the fire. They are told to anoint their eyes with ointment,
so they can see their true spiritual condition as God sees it. The Lord
appears to be admonishing them to be zealous for the things of God-wisdom,
knowledge, and truth-and to hate every evil way. He is telling them to
repent.

Jesus is shown outside the door of this
church, not inside. He is depicted as knocking on the door of the church
and on the individual's heart, but the Laodiceans do not want to let Him
in. They do not want to be shown they are wrong and will perish. They
do not want to see their true blind and wretched condition. They do not
want correction or truth. Often, ministers, churches, and ministries focus
more on getting money and more people, rather than on humbleness, brokenness,
and good sound doctrine.

This is a description of the last church-the
worst of all, in which the entire church is described as being spit out
(or perishing). This is a description of the most confident church of
them all, yet it is the most deceived church that has ever existed; however,
they do not know or understand it. This is the description of today's
church. The verses on the Laodicean church are in perfect harmony
with many other verses that tell how the times would be, leading up to
the Tribulation.

We would all do well to heed the words
of Jesus: HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO
THE CHURCHES-Rev 3:22.

TODAY'S CHURCH1760-5A-4

This is the church age from which the
Antichrist will emerge. It is the church age Paul talked about that would
not endure sound doctrine, but would gather around them teachers that
would say what their ITCHING EARS wanted and desired to hear-ref 2 Tim
4:3. Jesus was asked about the sign of His coming. The first thing He
said was, TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU-Mt 24:4; ref Mk 13:5; Lk 21:8.
Before Jesus warned about wars and rumors of wars; before He related about
famines, earthquakes, and diseases; before He told about the Gospel being
published among all nations, He warned about the age of religious deception
that would come. This is that church age. In the history of the seven
churches, there has never been a church age so filled with deceptive doctrines
and ideas, yet so totally ignorant of its true condition. In the church
of Sardis (the "dead" church), there were a FEW NAMES that had
not defiled their garments-ref Rev 3:4. However, in the Laodicean church
age, there does not appear to be even a "few" that are not blind
and naked.

This is very much in harmony with the
Scriptures relating to the coming of the Lord being as in the days of
Noah, wherein FEW souls were saved. Despite the overwhelming witness of
God's Word, regarding this church, they are in total ignorance of the
truth, often preaching just the opposite.

Today's church is full of
deception; it will perish. However, there are well-known Bible teachers
who think that more than fifty percent of Americans are born-again.

It is a church where people are entertained
and made to feel good, instead of falling upon their knees in godly sorrow
for sin. It is a church age for laughing rather than for crying. It is
a church age of saying a sinner's prayer and believing a person is saved,
even though afterward there is absolutely no evidence of repentance, the
fruits of the Spirit, doing the will of God, or the fruits of the works
of God. In some cases, the preachers know these things, but will not tell
their congregations the truth. Some are afraid that people might leave
their church and go elsewhere. They love the praise of men more than the
praise of God. Having lots of unsaved or lukewarm people means more to
them than having a few hot, spiritual people.

It is a church that finds time to do all
manner of things, but does not find time to humbly dwell in and study
God's Word as if their life depended on it.

It is the church age when thousands of
Christian preachers may preside daily over funerals declaring that the
deceased person is now in heaven-when, in reality, he is screaming, tormented
in the flames of hell. When have you ever heard a preacher say at a funeral
that the deceased person went to hell? The Bible clearly shows that only
a few are truly saved by the grace of God; however, if one would listen
to the preachers at funerals, it would seem that everyone goes to heaven.

The preaching, in many of
today's churches, consists of foolishness, jokes, storytelling,
and teaching what pleases people, rather than God's pure Word. They do
not usually preach that THE THOUGHT OF FOOLISHNESS IS SIN-Pv 24:9. Some
of America's best comedians are behind the pulpits. Should a preacher,
who gets the congregation laughing with jokes, then expect people to fall
on their faces before God with conviction for sin and with tears of repentance?
Is this the way Jesus preached? Did Jesus try to comfort those that came
to hear Him with jokes, foolishness, or other antics to cause them to
laugh?

The preaching, in many of today's churches,
consists of reading a few Bible verses; then the preacher talks about
himself, his family, and other incidents that relate to the verses. The
people learn very little about Jesus. They learn very little of the WORD
OF GOD and of comparing the Word with the Word. On the other hand, they
learn a great deal about the preacher, his children, his wife, his friends,
things he has done, and so on. What a blind church age, when we teach
what other people and other books say, but we ignore what God says in
His Word! The milk of the Word is diluted with lots of water. They preach
watered-down milk. A baby that receives only one part of milk, mixed with
ten parts of water, will eventually die. The born-again Christian needs
and desires the PURE SPIRITUAL MILK-1 Pe 2:2 NIV, that is not watered-down
with other things. It is not man, but the Holy Spirit that opens a person's
heart to understand. So few seem to realize this. It is
a church age where God's Word is proclaiming, PREACH THE WORD-2 Tim 4:2.
Jesus (the Word) is outside the church knocking, yet who has ears to hear?

What a blind church age it is! Jesus is
about to return; many biblical signs testify to this fact. Nevertheless,
many churches will not teach Bible prophecy. Even though much of the Bible
pertains to prophecy, it is often ignored. Many churches teach on love,
but exhibit no love toward other born-again people outside of their own
local church. Many churches think they can see how blind other churches
are, but fail to see how blind they themselves are.

Many Bible schools and churches teach
this way; afterward, they wipe their mouth and say, "I have done
no wrong." In their blindness, they fulfill the Laodicean prophecies.

It is very common, in America, to find
church members that say they follow Christ, but are involved in every
sort of sin imaginable. Many of these same people hold positions of authority.
They may oversee the church's business affairs, including the hiring and
dismissing of pastors, yet they, themselves, are spiritually dead and
ignorant of God's Word. The church has been infected with leaven (false
doctrine), which has grown like a cancer, reaching to the very core. The
entire church is infected and sick, but does not know it.

In today's church, some
missionaries think that many in Africa shall be raptured; it is estimated
that eighty percent of the African couples that are living
together are not even married, when viewed in light of God's Word. Some
just move in together. Others may pay part of a dowry, or say they will
pay it, and then set up housekeeping and have children. They live in fornication,
yet believe they are married. (Marriage customs vary somewhat from nation
to nation, or from tribe to tribe.) Many of these are professing Christian
preachers. Many other "so-called" Christian preachers have several
wives. In addition, many of the churches are divided against each other;
bickering has led to further splits and even hatred.

In India, the woman or parents
of the woman may pay for her husband, which is very contrary to the Bible.
This practice instills a concept completely foreign to God's Word. It
was Jesus Who gave His life for His bride. We love Him, because He first
loved us. He gave His life for us. Often in India, when payment is not
made, the husband may beat or kill his wife. Many Christian pastors in
India and Africa are afraid to take a stand for what is
right in the eyes of God's Word, as they would be going against the traditions
of the people. By doing this, they might suffer further persecutions.
Many American missionaries that go to these places are either ignorant
of these things, or they choose to ignore them. In addition, some American
missionaries bring false doctrines and deceptions of the Laodicean
age with them to the mission field and further deceive the people. It
is wrong for Christians to partake of traditions that oppose the Word
of God. It is also wrong for Christian pastors to permit these practices
among the flock of which they have the oversight. To do so is sin and
only serves to perpetuate the "leaven."

Murder, stealing, drugs, fornication,
adultery, homosexuality, abortions, greed, materialism, swearing, hatred,
and every manner of sin conceivable exists in America. Nevertheless, many
of the unrepentant people that do these things attend church on Sunday
as if they have done no wrong. At church, however, they seldom hear preaching
against sin; they seldom hear the word "repent."

In many of the churches throughout the
world, people sing, and sing, and sing, but know little
of what God's Word has to say. They know the words to many songs, but
know little about Bible doctrine. It is very common, in some countries,
to find pastors that may pray for more than one hour a day, but spend
only a few minutes reading God's Word. They pray to a God they know very
little about. Around the world, the church is in great blindness and is
not aware of it. This is part of what Jesus prophesied would happen; it
has come to pass. As birth pangs of a woman, it will continue to get worse
until, finally, the trumpet sounds and Jesus calls those few faithful,
fruit-bearing Christians home. The Laodicean Christians of this generation
will be rejected (spit out) and left behind: most will continually refuse
to believe this until it is too late.

The truth of much of God's
Word (Jesus) has been abandoned and rejected by this church age. As Jesus
is seen standing outside of His church knocking on the door, so the Laodiceans
will be left out of heaven, except they repent. Can you clearly see these
things? Very few can. Consider EPAPHRAS...A SERVANT OF CHRIST...HE HATH
A GREAT ZEAL FOR YOU, AND THEM THAT ARE IN LAODICEA-Col
4:12,13.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE1761-5A-4

As we carefully study the seven churches,
we note that Satan has tried bringing great persecutions in the past;
these did not destroy the church.

Satan has tried using less persecutions
and more false doctrine mixed with the truth; this worked more effectively.

Satan is using prosperity, selfishness,
false doctrine, and lukewarm preaching mixed with the truth; this has
almost destroyed the church. This is the Laodicean church.

It needs to be repeated that there is
not one good thing mentioned about the Laodicean church from the words
of Jesus.

Information on the Laodicean church (Rev
3:14-22):

A lukewarm church that will be spit
out

The approximate period represented
is from 1948 to the Rapture (many others believe the time is from
1917 to the Rapture)

Three descriptions of Jesus

No good things

Eleven bad things

One warning

Four items of advice on what to do
and why

Six reasons to follow God's advice

Two items of what Jesus is doing

Two "ifs"

Three promises

One reward

3:14. AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE
CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH (or are the words of)
THE AMEN, THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS, THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION
OF GOD. Ref Col 1:16; Mk 13:19; Eph 3:9. LD.

3:14. AND
UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS WRITE. Once
again, John is told to write.

THESE THINGS SAITH
(or are the words of). Next the subject turns to Jesus. The verse addresses
Him as,

DESCRIPTIONS OF JESUS1762-5A-4

1. THE AMEN. (This is #18 in a
list of descriptions of Jesus found in the Revelation.)

2. THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS
(#19).

3. THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF
GOD (#20).

As with the other six churches, the descriptions
of Jesus tell something about this particular church age. These descriptions
often convey a message to the church of things that may be lacking or
have been forgotten. The "AMEN" means, "so be it, it is
true." This is reminding the church that Jesus is sovereign, He is
true, He is everything. Jesus is the final Word, the true Judge, and the
ultimate Authority. He is God Almighty. This "truth" has been
largely rejected in the Laodicean church age.

Jesus is the "FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS."
LET GOD BE TRUE, BUT EVERY MAN A LIAR-Ro 3:4. The church is being reminded
that Jesus is faithful. Jesus is the true Witness. His Word is true. The
church of the Laodiceans have forgotten this. Jesus presents Himself in
this manner, as what He is about to say will conflict with the opinions
that they have of themselves. Jesus is showing that what He will say is
true, and what they say and think is wrong. This "truth" has
also been largely rejected by the Laodicean church age.

The church is being reminded that Jesus
is the "BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD"-Rev 3:14. Some forget
the words, FOR BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED-Col 1:16;
GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST-Eph 3:9. Satan's deceptive
theory of evolution is now widely accepted as truth, and the truth that
God created all things has been laid aside, rejected by much of the Laodicean
church age.

3:15. I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds),
THAT THOU ART NEITHER COLD NOR HOT: I WOULD THOU WERT COLD OR HOT (I wish
you were either one or the other!-NIV). LD.

3:15. This
verse begins with a series of words that are repeated in each of the churches-I
KNOW THYWORKS (or deeds). This is addressed to the church,
in general, as well as the individual. God knows the works of His people,
things done both in the open and in secret. If this would be counted as
a good point, then one good point would be listed for this church; however,
the description of the works of this church are all unacceptable. Jesus
is showing, clearly, no good or acceptable works come forth from this
church.

GOOD THINGS1763-5A-4

None.

BAD THINGS1764-5A-4

1. THAT THOU ART NEITHERCOLD
NOR HOT. Then Jesus makes a comment,

I WOULD THOU WERT COLD OR HOT (I wish you were either one or the other!-NIV). If a person
is cold, he can sometimes be reached for Jesus. On the other hand, Jesus
would prefer that His servants were "hot."

2. SO THEN BECAUSE THOU ART LUKEWARM,
AND NEITHER COLD NOR HOT. Consider the nature of something lukewarm.
A cup of cold water can be very satisfying-ref Mt 10:42. A cup of hot
tea or some other beverage can also be very satisfying and taste delicious.
But a cup of lukewarm water or lukewarm tea can be very unappealing; it
may taste so bad, a person may want to spit it out. This describes the
Laodicean church age.

It was the cold, spiritual atmosphere
of the church in England that motivated John Wesley to begin his own meetings.
It was the coldness of the Methodist Church that caused William Booth
to become "on fire" for the Lord. God wants His people to be
"hot" in knowledge and in zeal for Him. However, if this is
not the case, then He would prefer them to be cold. When one is cold,
it is clear-cut; this distinction can eventually lead some to want to
be hot. However, the lukewarm often do not recognize their condition or
seek to change as the cold do. They are deceived, but confident they will
not perish and are usually comfortable in the world.

Many of today's churches, in America,
are a type of social club. They have committees, lots of programs, recreation
areas, entertainment, paid singers, and comedians. There are many things
to lure a person in and to please the carnal nature and flesh. Soulwinning
is like a business. There are many types of crusades and "revivals";
however, few generate true conviction for sin, where people are driven
to their knees, confessing their sins, denying themselves, and crying
out in brokenness over their wickedness. Revivals, in this
lukewarm generation, seldom spark desire within one to be so hungry for
Jesus that he turns off the TV and sets aside other activities to spend
hours a day studying God's Word and humbly seeking Him in prayer. And
if one does come to Jesus, he may be quickly "cooled off," as
he is surrounded by his friends, relatives, local churches, radio and
television preachers, who may bring forth a lukewarm message of compromise,
deceit, and truth intermixed. The, perhaps, "one out of a thousand
preachers" that he might hear, who brings forth sound doctrine, is
often quickly discredited by everyone around him. Thus, lukewarm becomes
the accepted way of truth, and sound doctrine is viewed as the way of
deceit in the seventh and last church age. Whether it is the large cathedral,
or the small church with a grass roof, or the hidden house church-lukewarm
is the church of this generation. Many have pride in the fact that they
have a new building, or more people, or more children. Others have pride
that they have gotten many to say a sinner's prayer, even though, afterwards,
not one may have shown any evidence of denying himself, taking up his
CROSS DAILY, and following Jesus-ref Lk 9:23.

Today's church seems to
think that more finances and things to attract the carnal nature will
convert the world. True conversion comes through the work of the Holy
Spirit. The Laodicean church is centered on "self" rather than
on Jesus. It lures with promises of miracles, healings, prosperity, good
times, fellowship, and friends.

The Laodicean church seldom tells people
that if they decide to follow Jesus, the biblical way, they can expect
problems, persecutions, the loss of their friends, ridicule, false accusations,
their name dragged through the mud, and their families to forsake them.
They are not told that they may get very sick, enduring much pain and
anguish. They are not informed how Satan will tempt them, or that they
could lose everything they possess. They are unaware that many of the
traditions that they are following-of their church, country, tribe, etc.-are
an abomination to God. They are seldom told, by any preacher, how blind
and wretched this Laodicean church age is.

Of the few, true Christians that do exist,
no matter what they go through, Jesus will be with them.

Jesus described the Laodicean church as
lukewarm. The lukewarm are confident they are correct and
righteous. Their confidence is so deeply rooted that it is nearly impossible
to reach them with the truth. Lukewarmness comes from mixing both hot
and cold. They are not cold toward the things of God, but neither are
they hot. They are content, apathetic, indifferent. They are not truly
concerned with what is right and wrong or what is good and evil. Within
the Laodicean church is the prevailing attitude of "live and let
live; don't rock the boat; don't cause waves; it will all turn out O.K."
They are taking a neutral position. They are trying to serve God, but
are also trying to please men. They are serving two masters and justify
their position. They are serving God, and they are serving "self."
They are serving God, and they are serving the world. This is totally
unacceptable with God. Remember, the name "Laodicea" means "the
rights of the people." Their knowledge and understanding of God,
His Word, and of these things is, at best, only lukewarm. Their obedience,
love, fruits of the Spirit, and works are, at best, only lukewarm. Their
daily conversation may be centered on both the things of the world and
the things of God. They are like a wave. They are carnal and have not
denied themselves. They are not fully following Jesus, though they are
usually sure they are. Jesus is in their life, but He is not the center
of their life. Their life revolves around things of the world and worldly
circumstances; Jesus is only a part. They have need of milk (basic doctrines)
and not meat (perfection). They are not ready for the doctrine of perfection
and holiness. Their thoughts are divided between Jesus and the things
of the world. Laodiceans want to maintain a level of control over their
lives; they will trust Jesus only to a point. They do not have the understanding
that Jesus is in control when very difficult situations come against them;
their knowledge is lukewarm.

At best, their understanding of who is
saved, by the grace of God, and who is not saved is only lukewarm. It
may be said, they do not fully comprehend the strait gate and narrow way.

Their teaching may consist of some sound
doctrine mixed with confusion, false doctrine, deceit, doctrines of men
and denominations, new fads, or other distortions of Scripture that come
along.

They may have a great church complex,
a magnificent choir, large attendance, much money coming in, a vast radio
and television ministry, an extensive mailing list reaching multitudes
with a monthly magazine, and many letters and telephone calls coming in.
They may be claiming to have won many souls, but if the message being
proclaimed is only lukewarm, then that is all they are.

The following should be considered. Sound
doctrine is disappearing; most people will not tolerate it. One might
ask, "What would happen if sound doctrine was being taught?"
The answer is found in the Scriptures. In the days of the apostles, sound
doctrine was being taught in Laodicea; however, it was rejected. The Laodicean
church was only lukewarm; this is unacceptable to God.

For those who may wonder if lukewarm is
really so bad, Jesus gives the following warning.

WARNING1765-5A-4

1. I WILL SPEW (or spit)

THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH.
The entire Laodicean church will be spit out and perish. There will be
such a small number from this church that will repent, not even the word
"few" is used as it was in the "dead" church of Sardis.
The lukewarm will not be taken when the Rapture comes.

BAD THINGS - (continued)
1766-5A-4

3:17. BECAUSE THOU SAYEST (or
because you say), I AM RICH, AND INCREASED WITH GOODS (or I have acquired
wealth-NIV), AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING; AND KNOWEST NOT THAT THOU ART (or
you do not realize) (or you don't know that you are the one who is-JNT121)
WRETCHED, AND MISER-ABLE (or pitiful), AND POOR, AND BLIND, AND NAKED.
Ref Pv 24:12; 2 Thes 2:3; Jere 23:1,2,16-38; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Mk 7:6-9,13;
Ezek 34:1-12. LD.

3:17.

3. BECAUSE THOU SAYEST (or because
you say),

I AM RICH.
Laodicea was prosperous, and the church had taken the same attitude. This
church considered itself rich and increased with goods. Indeed, throughout
much of the world today, there are large, beautiful church buildings.
Even in poorer countries that do not have these nice facilities, many
believe the success of their ministry depends upon getting financial help
from abroad, rather than trusting in Jesus and waiting upon Him. Jesus
is showing the focus of this church and what they are saying is wrong.

4. The church also is saying, I AM.INCREASED
WITH GOODS (or I have acquired wealth). So much emphasis is placed
upon prosperity.

5. AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING. They
are centered on "self." They are satisfied. They are content.

Laodicea is a proud church that sees itself
as a good and spiritually sound institution with no needs. In many countries,
the Laodicean churches seemingly prosper in their organization, in material
assets, in university degrees, in attendance, in offerings, in paid staff,
and in volunteer workers. Never in church history has there been so many
Bible schools and universities. Never has the church owned so much property;
spent so much money; had so many books, programs, guest speakers, radio
and television ministries; broadcasted on short-wave radio around the
entire world; had so much material wealth, yet been so spiritually bankrupt.
In Rev 3:20, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, stands outside knocking at
the door.

This is today's church,
the most deceived of all seven. It is filled with all sorts of half truths
and distorted doctrines. It sees itself totally different than what it
really is. It is so blind and deceived, it does not even understand that
these passages, in Rev 3:14-22, are written directly to them. These passages
are for all of us, right now.

6. AND KNOWEST NOT THAT THOU ART
(or you do not realize) (or you don't know that you are the one who is-JNT121).
Jesus is showing this church believes what they are saying, yet there
are things they do not know. Jesus is showing that they are not in the
light as they think they are, but are in darkness, unable to see their
true condition. This church is portrayed as having a terminal illness,
yet are unaware of it. They do not understand they are going to die and
perish. They are completely deceived. Jesus continues by revealing what
the true condition of this church is. It is,

7. WRETCHED8. AND MISERABLE (or pitiful)
9. AND POOR10. AND BLIND11. AND NAKED

Jesus is showing that this is the worst
church, yet they are the most confident. The condition of this church
is a reflection of the Bible schools, and what is being
preached from the pulpits, and what is being taught by the
missionaries, and what is in the people's hearts.

They are "wretched,"
but they do not know it. Being wretched comes from no faith, lukewarm
faith, or faith like a wave. It comes from a lack of truth and understanding.
It comes from being taught a form of the milk of God's Word, which is
so diluted by other things mixed in with it, that people are no longer
standing upon the Rock of truth. People are standing upon truth and deceit
mixed together. This is a church that hears lukewarm preaching and comes
away empty and unfulfilled, yet is in such darkness that it is content;
it does not even know it is wretched. This word appears only one other
time in the New Testament. It is in Ro 7:24, where Paul describes himself,
by saying, "O WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM." Unlike Paul, the Laodicean
church cannot recognize its condition.

They are "miserable"
(or pitiful), but do not know it. This is the result of being wretched-they
are tossed about with all kinds of doctrines that come in like the wind
from all directions. The truth has been set aside to please people's flesh.
The popularity or charisma of the preacher often replaces the appeal of
Jesus, which is the Word of God.

They are "poor,"
but do not know it. They are poor in wisdom, in knowledge, in faith, and
in understanding the Word of God. They are not zealous for the truth.

They are "blind,"
but they do not know it. They are blind regarding God's Word, in salvation,
in repentance, in discerning fruit, in who is saved, in understanding
what Satan is doing, and in recognizing the falling away that is happening
and has already happened. Many preach revival is coming, which is just
the opposite of falling. Their guard against the schemes of the devil
is down, when it should be up. They think they can stamp Satan under their
feet, when, in reality, Satan is stamping them under his feet, and they
do not know it. They are trying to see the great moves of God and are
not understanding the moves of the adversary. They call deceit, truth
and truth, deceit. In these things they are blind, which means they do
not see or understand these things. Yet they are positive their condition
is rich and increased with goods-they think they need nothing. Many preachers
also think they are rich in knowledge, as they proudly display their college
degrees on the wall of their office and have shelves filled with hundreds
of books "about" the Bible. Their large church, or the many
churches that are under their control, or their vast ministry seems to
testify that they are spiritually in the light. Yet God's Word said that
this church is blind. They teach the gifts of the Spirit, but do not teach
or demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. God's Word teaches water baptism
by full immersion (ref Ro 6:4; Col 2:12), and Jesus' disciples spent much
time baptizing people; yet some of today's churches teach against water
baptism. Others argue that sprinkling baptism is the right way, and some
baptize in the name of Jesus only. However, Jesus taught, clearly, BAPTIZING
THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST:
TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE (or obey) ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED
YOU-Mt 28:19,20. Many do not even teach that we are to obey God's Word
and keep His commandments. They teach about the love of God, but do not
teach that the evidence of a person's love for God is demonstrated by,
IF YE LOVE "ME," KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS-Jn 14:15.

They are "naked"
and do not know it. Nakedness reveals a person's condition. They are exposed.
They have no clothing on. Their condition is shameful. They think they
are covered by grace but are not. Spiritual nakedness denotes no covering.
It illustrates that they are not covered with God's Word, with wisdom,
knowledge, and understanding. They are not covered with the blood of Jesus
by true faith that is evidenced by what they do. As it is written, FAITH
WITHOUT WORKS (or actions) IS DEAD-Ja 2:20. Their covering is deceit.
They know not that they are naked and walking in lukewarmness. They know
not that they shall perish.

This church may think highly of itself,
but its wretched condition is naked before God.

ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO1767-5A-4

3:18. I COUNSEL THEE (or My advice
to you is-JNT122) TO BUY OF ME GOLD TRIED (or refined) IN THE
FIRE, THAT THOU MAYEST BE RICH; AND WHITE RAIMENT (or white clothes to
wear), THAT THOU MAYEST BE CLOTHED (or may be dressed), AND THAT THE SHAME
OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR (or so you can cover your shameful nakedness-NIV);
AND ANOINT (or rub) THINE EYES WITH EYESALVE, THAT THOU MAYEST SEE (or
so you can see). Ref Rev 2:9; Mt 25:9-buy; Gen 3:10,11; 2 Cor 5:3; Rev
16:15; 21:7; Mt 24:4. LD.

3:18. I
COUNSEL THEE (or My advice to you is-JNT122)

1. TO BUY OF ME GOLD TRIED (or
refined)

IN THE FIRE.
The Laodicean church has gold, but it is the wrong kind. The purchase
of the gold must come from Jesus. This is not regular gold but refined
gold (Jesus, the Word of God). This is the righteousness that comes from
faith.

2. AND ANOINT (or rub) THINE
EYES WITH EYESALVE. Because this church is spiritually blind, they
are being admonished to use eyesalve, so their blindness might be cured.
They do not have correct spiritual discernment. Their understanding of
their condition is opposite of the truth. This would indicate that Satan's
deceptions in this church are great, which explains why Jesus said, TAKE
HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU-Mt 24:4. This church did not love truth.

3:19. AS MANY AS I LOVE (or
those whom I love), I REBUKE (or reprove) AND CHASTEN (or discipline):
BE ZEALOUS (or be earnest) (or exert yourselves-JNT123) THEREFORE,
AND REPENT (or turn from your sins). Ref Rev 1:5; 3:9-love. LD.

3:19.

3. BE ZEALOUS (or be earnest) (or
exert yourselves-JNT123) THEREFORE,

4. AND REPENT (or turn from your
sins).

The message is clear to this church. First,
believe all of God's Word. Believe what He is saying to this church. Then
follow what Jesus said to do. Obey the Gospel. Put on eyesalve that you
may see and understand. Be zealous and repent.

REASONS TO FOLLOW GOD'S
ADVICE1768-5A-4

3:18.

1. THAT THOU MAYEST BE RICH. The
richness here is not earthly wealth, but is the richness that comes from
faith. Through faith we overcome and inherit all things. The second church,
Smyrna, had much poverty in the world, but they were RICH-Rev 2:9. The
Laodicean church has worldly riches but lukewarm faith. It is written,
WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?-Lk 18:8.

2. AND WHITE RAIMENT (or white
clothes to wear). The white raiment is the righteousness of the saints,
which is received through faith in Jesus Christ. The Laodicean church
is not clothed with white raiment. Any clothing other than this white
raiment, only results in nakedness.

3. THAT THOU MAYEST BE CLOTHED
(or may be dressed).

4. AND THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS
DO NOT APPEAR (or so you can cover your shameful nakedness-NIV). This
church is naked; it has no clothing on. It is clothed with deceit, which
is no clothing at all. The nakedness of this church is clear only to a
few in this generation. It is shameful.

5. THAT THOU MAYEST SEE (or so
you can see). Only through anointing the eyes with eyesalve, can one hope
to see and understand one's condition. The Bible says to examine ourselves.
This is done by denying ourselves and humbly and honestly looking at ourselves
in light of "all" of God's Word.

3:19.

6. AS MANY AS I LOVE (or those
whom I love),

I REBUKE ANDCHASTEN (or discipline). Because of Jesus' love, He will rebuke
and chasten that we might not perish. Thus, we are admonished to "be
zealous therefore and repent."

If a lukewarm Christian will not obey
God's warning, he is without hope. He shall not be taken in the Rapture.
He shall perish. Only a few will heed God's warning, for the prophecy
must be fulfilled.

WHAT JESUS IS DOING1769-5A-4

3:20. BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR,
AND KNOCK (or here, I'm standing at the door, knocking-JNT124):
IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND
WILL SUP (or eat) WITH HIM, AND HE (will) WITH ME. LD.

3:20. The
invitation that Jesus offers may apply to any person; however, here, it
is an invitation given to the Laodicean church and to the individual that
believes on Jesus Christ but is only lukewarm.

1. BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR.
A church is an assembly of believers. Individuals make up the church.
Jesus is illustrating a very sad picture of the Laodicean church. He is
standing outside of "His" church, not inside. It is the people's
church. Laodicea means "human rights" or "the rights of
the people." They do not want to let Jesus (the Word) rule over them.
They want to rule themselves. This church is described, outwardly, as
being prosperous and having many goods, yet Jesus is on the outside, not
on the inside.

It is incredible that this church is completely
ignorant of its true condition. Thousands of churches are on radio and
television. They send out missionaries around the world. They preach Jesus,
but He is on the outside. They do not understand this. Multitudes write
books about the Bible and their own life's experiences with God, but Jesus
is still on the outside, knocking on the door, saying, "Let Me in."
They do not understand. As they will not let Jesus in, neither will He
let them in at the judgment.

Churches sing and sing about Jesus and
worship Him. They are involved in all sorts of Christian service. A person
may ask, "How, then, can Jesus be on the outside of the church?"
The answer can be summed up in this way-self and worldliness.

Following Rev 3:22, there should be a
message from God's Word to consider on this subject.

2. AND KNOCK (or here, I'm standing
at the door, knocking-JNT124). Jesus is knocking on the door
of "His" church. The people inside are, undoubtedly, singing
about Jesus; they may even be worshiping and praying to Him. Nevertheless,
Jesus may not be in their hearts. God's Word has not found a place in
them to dwell and grow.

Yet Jesus continues to knock. He knocks
on the door of people's hearts, as if to say, "Let Me in."

1770-5A-4

1. IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE. Jesus
is talking to the individual.

2. AND OPEN THE DOOR. To the individual
that will hear the voice of Jesus and open the door of his heart, Jesus
promises,

PROMISES1771-5A-4

1. IWILL COME IN TO HIM,
2. AND WILL SUP (or eat) WITH HIM,
3. AND HE (will)

WITH ME.
The door cannot be opened by Jesus, but must be opened by the one that
hears His voice. He that hears and understands God's Word must respond
by opening his heart to Jesus. To this person that responds, these promises
are given.

REWARDS1772-5A-4

3:21. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH (or
him who wins the victory-JNT125) WILL I GRANT (or give the
right) TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN (or just) AS I ALSO OVERCAME,
AND AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE. Ref Lk 13:25; Rev 21:7.
P, Rew, M.

3:21. TO
HIM THAT OVERCOMETH (or him who wins the victory-JNT125).
We overcome by walking in faith. To him that overcomes the lukewarmness,
the "not knowing" his true condition, the riches and needing
nothing, and obeys the advice of Jesus. (Note the commentary on overcoming,
under Rev 2:7.) The verse continues, to him that overcomes,

1. WILL I GRANT (or give the right)

TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN (or just)

AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND AM SET DOWN
WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE. Jesus is currently
sitting at the right hand of God the Father. However, during the Millennium,
Jesus will sit upon His own throne. We are to overcome, even as Jesus
overcame; to those that do, the promise is given them to sit with Jesus
in His throne.

3:22. HE THAT HATH AN EAR (or
those who have ears), LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH (or is saying)
UNTO THE CHURCHES. Ref Rev 22:16. LD.

3:22. HE
THAT HATH AN EAR (or those who have ears), LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE
SPIRIT SAITH (or is saying) UNTO THE CHURCHES. (Note the commentary,
under Rev 2:7.)

Note the words of Rev 22:16:

I JESUS HAVE SENT MINE ANGEL TO TESTIFYUNTO
YOU THESE THINGS IN THE CHURCHES.

There are many lukewarm, blind churches
that will not teach these things in this Laodicean church age.

DENY SELF: A MESSAGE
FROM GOD'S WORD1773-5A-4

The Laodicean church age will continue
to get worse and worse, until Jesus returns to catch up "His"
people. All unrepentant Laodiceans are rejected. As in the days of Noah
and the days of Lot, the very few that have overcome-anointed their eyes
with eyesalve and can see-will be taken.

Note the differences between the popular
preaching and familiar sayings of the Laodicean church age and the uncompromised
Word of God, which is rarely used in this unrepentant generation. The
following are based on lies, traditions, and half truths. They mislead
and deceive people. This is, also, spiritual warfare.

Some Laodicean preaching is:
"You shall have; you shall receive; you shall prosper; you shall
have a good time; you shall be healed; you shall have a miracle; being
sick shows you have no faith or if you are sick and do not get healed,
it shows you have no faith; you can get power (instead of "if the
Lord will."); you do not have to obey God's commandments, because
that is legalism; exalt oneself; be someone special; you are a King's
kid; revival is coming before the Tribulation; no man knows the day and
hour of the Rapture; you are not to fear God, but only reverence Him;
you can trample Satan under your feet; Satan can no longer deceive you;
many go to heaven; you are saved by a prayer, and no sin can take you
to hell." These are only a few of many teachings that are misleading
and deceiving people.

Some Laodicean sayings include:
"God has a miracle for you; believe God for a miracle; expect a miracle;
you have the keys to release prosperity in your life; sow seed and believe
for a harvest; I'm expecting a turn around in my finances; give-expecting;
you are about to get a miracle and it is in your pocketbook; Jesus put
you on this earth to be a success; God told me to tell you; bind Satan
(all kinds of ways); Satan has no power over you; Satan cannot deceive
you; you can stamp Satan under your feet; stupid devil; take your shoe
off and stamp on the devil; exercise your faith; take this handkerchief,
penny (or some other object) and do this or that and receive a miracle."
These are misleading and deceiving people.

Some misleading things going on
in the church include: uncontrollable outbursts of laughing, animal-type
sound, jumping off the stage into people's arms, and many other unbiblical
things.

Minister's emotions are speaking louder
than God's Word. They have become victims of their own emotions, making
God's Word of none effect. These expressions are very popular. They attract
people, but also lead them astray.

Following is some of God's Word, which
is rarely used or understood in this unrepentant generation.

Some counsel from God's Word:

Study God's Word,

Labor in God's Word,

Tremble at God's Word,

Live by every word that proceeds
out of the mouth of God, Seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding
of God's Word above all things.

Be led by God's Word,

Do God's Word,

Obey God's Word,

Obey God's commandments,

Do God's will, not your own,

To be led of the Spirit, is to
be led by God's Word,

Live unto God, not yourself,

If you love God-keep His commandments.

Fear God,

Tremble at His Word,

The fear of God is understanding.

Riches, and pleasures, and lusts,
and the cares of this world can deceive a person and choke God's Word.

Forsake everything,

Sell what you have and give alms,

Deny yourself,

Give up your own desires and will,

Give,

Surrender,

Be broken,

Repent,

Be humbled,

You must decrease.

After believing on Jesus and repenting,
be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Lose all,

Deny self,

Do not seek after your own desires,
your own eyes, your own will.

Do not count your life dear to
yourself,

Present your body totally unto
God,

You are not to please yourself,

God resists the proud,

God does not give grace to the
proud.

Do not lay up treasures upon this
earth,

You cannot serve God and money,

It is easier for a camel to go
through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom
of God-Lk 18:25.

You will be persecuted,

You will suffer.

Be conformed to Jesus,

Be changed,

Follow Jesus,

Do as Jesus did,

Walk as Jesus walked.

Be vigilant, because Satan is seeking
to devour you,

Satan deceives the whole world,

Satan's ministers are difficult
to discern from God's ministers,

Most ministers are Satan's ministers,

Cast down wrong thinking,

Cast down everything that exalts
itself against the knowledge of God,

Overcome the world through faith.

Beware, lest you fall.

Serve God, Him only shalt thou
serve,

Serve God with humility,

You will be serving God with tears.

Few go to heaven,

Most go to hell.

"You may even be killed."

He that loses his life, for the
sake of Jesus, shall gain it.

A book of hundreds of pages could not
adequately convey nor dispel the blindness that is upon the Laodicean
church; so then, how can these few scriptures? It is the Holy Spirit that
must give the understanding.

1774-5A-4

Acts 5:32-AND WE ARE HIS WITNESSES OF
THESE THINGS; AND SO IS ALSO THE HOLY GHOST, WHOM GOD HATH GIVEN TO THEM
THAT OBEY HIM. Christians are to obey God; they are to obey God's
Word.

Acts 13:26-MEN AND BRETHREN, CHILDREN
OF THE STOCK OF ABRAHAM, AND WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU FEARETH GOD, TO YOU
IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT. Christians are to fear God.

Acts 20:19-SERVING THE LORD WITH
ALL HUMILITY OF MIND, AND WITH MANY TEARS, AND TEMPTATIONS.
Christians are to serve God in humility; they shall shed many tears and
be tempted.

Acts 20:23-SAVE THAT THE HOLY GHOST WITNESSETH
IN EVERY CITY, SAYING THAT BONDS AND AFFLICTIONS ABIDE ME. A Christian
may also suffer these things.

Acts 20:24-BUT NONE OF THESE THINGS
MOVE ME, NEITHER COUNT I MY LIFE DEAR UNTO MYSELF, SO THAT I MIGHT
FINISH MY COURSE WITH JOY, AND THE MINISTRY, WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED OF
THE LORD JESUS, TO TESTIFY THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD. If a person's
faith is centered in Jesus, none of these things should move him. Christians
should not consider their own life of any importance, but should regard
themselves as sheep for the slaughter.

1 Cor 7:23-YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE;
BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS OF MEN.

2 Cor 5:15-AND THAT HE DIED FOR ALL, THAT
THEY WHICH LIVE SHOULD NOT HENCEFORTH LIVE UNTO THEMSELVES, BUT UNTO HIM
WHICH DIED FOR THEM, AND ROSE AGAIN. As Christians, we are to live unto
God, not ourselves.

2 Cor 10:5-CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS,
AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE
OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE
OF CHRIST. Christians are to cast down wrong thinking and bring their
thoughts in line with God's Word.

Heb 5:9-AND BEING MADE PERFECT, HE BECAME
THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM. Christians
are to obey God; they are to obey God's Word.

1775-5A-4

Isa 66:5-HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD, YE
THAT TREMBLE AT HIS WORD. Christians are to tremble at God's Word.

Ja 1:22-BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD,
AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOUR OWN SELVES. Christians are to do
the Word of God.

Ja 4:6-GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT
GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE. A Christian is to be humble.

Jn 3:29-HE THAT HATH THE BRIDE IS THE
BRIDEGROOM: BUT THE FRIEND OF THE BRIDEGROOM, WHICH STANDETH AND HEARETH
HIM, REJOICETH GREATLYBECAUSE OF THE BRIDEGROOM'S VOICE:
THIS MY JOY THEREFORE IS FULFILLED. Christians should rejoice at hearing
and reading God's Word. They should crave God's pure Word as a baby craves
pure milk.

Jn 3:30-HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST
DECREASE. When a person comes to Jesus, he should begin to decrease
(die to self), thus allowing the Lord to increase in his heart and life.
Doing God's will should increase. Doing one's own will should decrease.

Jn 3:31-HE THAT COMETH FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE
ALL: HE THAT IS OF THE EARTH IS EARTHLY, AND SPEAKETH OF THE EARTH:
HE THAT COMETH FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL. The carnal Christian and unbeliever
have their conversation centered on the world and the things pertaining
to this life.

Jn 15:19-IF YE WERE OF THE WORLD, THE
WORLD WOULD LOVE HIS OWN: BUT BECAUSE YE ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE
CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATETH YOU. If
a Christian's light shines bright, then the world will hate that Christian.
The world often does not feel threatened by the lukewarm, compromising,
"following the world-type" Christian.

Jn 15:20-REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I SAID
UNTO YOU, THE SERVANT IS NOT GREATER THAN HIS LORD. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED
ME, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY SAYING,
THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO. The Christian that follows Jesus will be persecuted.

1 Jn 2:6-HE THAT SAITH HE ABIDETH IN HIM
OUGHT HIMSELF ALSO SO TO WALK, EVEN AS HE WALKED. A Christian,
who says he abides in Jesus, ought to walk as Jesus walked.

1 Jn 4:17-HEREIN IS OUR LOVE MADE PERFECT,
THAT WE MAY HAVE BOLDNESS IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT: BECAUSE AS HE IS,
SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. As Jesus is, so the true Christian is to
be.

Lk 16:13-NO SERVANT CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS:
FOR EITHER HE WILL HATE THE ONE, AND LOVE THE OTHER; OR ELSE HE WILL HOLD
TO THE ONE, AND DESPISE THE OTHER. YE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON.
A Christian cannot serve God and the world; he cannot serve God and money.

Lk 9:24-FOR WHOSOEVER WILL SAVE HIS LIFE
SHALL LOSE IT: BUT WHOSOEVER WILL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE, THE SAME
SHALL SAVE IT. A Christian that loses his life, for the sake of Jesus,
will save it. However, when their life is at stake, many will shrink back
and deny Jesus. During the Tribulation, many will come to faith in Jesus,
but, when they are hungry, they will give in to the Antichrist and take
the mark. Others will come to faith in Jesus, but, when their head is
about to be chopped off, they will shrink back and worship the image of
the beast.

Lk 12:33,34-SELL THAT YE HAVE,
AND GIVE ALMS; PROVIDE YOURSELVES BAGS WHICH WAX NOT OLD, A TREASURE IN
THE HEAVENS THAT FAILETH NOT, WHERE NO THIEF APPROACHETH, NEITHER MOTH
CORRUPTETH. FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO.
Selling what you have and following Jesus is hardly ever heard anymore,
in the Laodicean church, except to say that it does not mean what it says.

1776-5A-4

Lk 13:3-I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT, EXCEPT
YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. Preaching on biblical repentance
is becoming less and less. A lukewarm repentance has replaced true repentance.
To preach on believing in Jesus and saying a prayer is much more acceptable,
in the Laodicean age, as long as repentance, obedience, sacrifice, and
persecutions are omitted.

Lk 14:26-IF ANY MAN COME TO ME, AND HATE
NOT HIS FATHER, AND MOTHER, AND WIFE, AND CHILDREN, AND BRETHREN, AND
SISTERS, YEA, AND HIS OWN LIFE ALSO, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
A Christian is to love Jesus above all else. Nothing more needs to be
said.

Lk 14:27-AND WHOSOEVER DOTH NOT BEAR
HIS CROSS, AND COME AFTER ME,CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
Bearing one's cross and following after Jesus, is seldom taught or understood.
Few people, in this generation, are willing to walk as Jesus walked. It
is written, 1 Jn 2:6-HE THAT SAITH HE ABIDETH IN HIM OUGHT HIMSELF ALSO
SO TO WALK, EVEN AS HE WALKED.

Lk 14:33-SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE
OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
This verse means just what it says. Few people will totally sell out to
Jesus.

Mt 4:4-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, IT IS
WRITTEN, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY
WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD. The Christian is to
live by God's Word, the Bible.

Mt 6:19-LAY NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES
UPON EARTH, WHERE MOTH AND RUST DOTH CORRUPT, AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK
THROUGH AND STEAL:

Mt 6:20-BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES
IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTH NOR RUST DOTH CORRUPT, AND WHERE THIEVES
DO NOT BREAK THROUGH NOR STEAL. These verses require the Christian to
deny himself. Most Christians want the better things of this life and
heaven, also.

Mt 7:14-BECAUSE STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND
NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT
FIND IT. Few find God's way; fewer, still, will yield to God's way. Many
have found the way of lukewarmness; they shall be spit out.

Mt 7:21-NOT EVERY ONE THAT SAITH UNTO
ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT
DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. Doing God's will is
an absolute. Many come to Jesus, but when they find it is a life of sacrifice
and involves obeying God's Word, they choose to go "their own way";
they convince themselves they are right and that they shall, indeed, inherit
eternal life.

Mt 8:20-AND JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM, THE
FOXES HAVE HOLES, AND THE BIRDS OF THE AIR HAVE NESTS; BUT THE SON
OF MAN HATH NOT WHERE TO LAY HIS HEAD. Jesus had no home of His own.
As Christians, we are to consider everything as loss, that we may gain
Christ. There can be times that we have no place to lay our head. Many
great men of faith have gone to prison for the sake of Jesus or had to
live in caves. These are men of whom the world was not worthy.

Mt 8:21-AND ANOTHER OF HIS DISCIPLES SAID
UNTO HIM, LORD, SUFFER ME FIRST TO GO AND BURY MY FATHER. When
Jesus calls, a Christian should be ready and allow nothing to distract
him from God's will.

Mt 19:21-JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, IF THOU
WILT BE PERFECT, GO AND SELL THAT THOU HAST, AND GIVE TO THE
POOR, AND THOU SHALT HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN: AND COME AND FOLLOW
ME. Christians seldom want to hear these words.

Num 15:39-AND IT SHALL BE UNTO YOU FOR
A FRINGE, THAT YE MAY LOOK UPON IT, AND REMEMBER ALL THE COMMANDMENTS
OF THE LORD, AND DO THEM; AND THAT YE SEEK NOT AFTER YOUR OWN HEART AND
YOUR OWN EYES, AFTER WHICH YE USE TO GO A WHORING. A Christian is
to do God's commandments and not follow after his own will, or heart,
or eyes as he did before he was saved.

1 Pe 5:8-BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE
YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM
HE MAY DEVOUR. This warning is sent to the church. Do not underestimate
the devil. Satan seeks to devour Christians.

2 Pe 3:17-YE THEREFORE, BELOVED, SEEING
YE KNOW THESE THINGS BEFORE, BEWARE LEST YE ALSO, BEING LED AWAY
WITH THE ERROR OF THE WICKED, FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEDFASTNESS.
This is a warning to Christians. Beware, lest you fall from your steadfastness
(or secure position) in Jesus.

Ps 89:7-GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED
IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS, AND TO BE HAD IN REVERENCE
OF ALL THEM THAT ARE ABOUT HIM.

Mt 10:28-AND FEAR NOT THEM WHICH KILL
THE BODY, BUT ARE NOT ABLE TO KILL THE SOUL: BUT RATHER FEAR HIM WHICH
IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL. We are to fear God.
In the Laodicean church age, reverencing God has replaced fearing God.
Yes, we are to reverence God, and we are also to greatly fear Him.

1777-5A-4

Pv 2:1-5-MY SON, IF THOU WILT RECEIVE
MY WORDS, AND HIDE MY COMMANDMENTS WITH THEE; SO THAT THOU INCLINE
THINE EAR UNTO WISDOM, AND APPLY THINE HEART TO UNDERSTANDING;
YEA, IF THOU CRIEST AFTER KNOWLEDGE, AND LIFTEST UP THY VOICE
FOR UNDERSTANDING; IF THOU SEEKEST HER AS SILVER, AND SEARCHEST
FOR HER AS FOR HID TREASURES; THEN SHALT THOU UNDERSTAND THE FEAR
OF THE LORD, AND FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. Search the Scriptures.
Cry out for understanding. Don't give up.

Pv 9:10-THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE
BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING.
Do you want wisdom? The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Rev 3:21-TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH
WILL I GRANT TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND
AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE. Every one of the seven churches
use one of these words, "overcome, overcomes, or overcometh."

Rev 12:9-AND THE GREAT DRAGON WAS CAST
OUT, THAT OLD SERPENT, CALLED THE DEVIL, AND SATAN, WHICH DECEIVETH
THE WHOLE WORLD: HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE
CAST OUT WITH HIM. Satan deceives the whole world.

Ro 8:29-FOR WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO
DID PREDESTINATE TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT
HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN. A Christian is to be conformed
to the image of Jesus; he is to be conformed to the image of God's Word.

Ro 11:21-FOR IF GOD SPARED NOT THE NATURAL
BRANCHES, TAKE HEED LEST HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE. This is a warning.

Ro 12:1-I BESEECH YOU THEREFORE, BRETHREN,
BY THE MERCIES OF GOD, THAT YE PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE,
HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE. A Christian
is to surrender his entire being-spirit, soul, and body-unto God.

Ro 12:2-AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD:
BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE
WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD. A Christian
is not to be conformed to this world or its ways. He is to be transformed.

Ro 15:1-NOT TO PLEASE OURSELVES.
A Christian lives to do God's will, not his own.

1 Tim 5:17-LABOR IN THE WORD AND DOCTRINE.
Many people do not read God's Word at all. Of those that do, most only
read a few verses or a couple of chapters a day. This is not being serious
about Jesus. This is, at best, only lukewarm. A true Christian ought to
greatly desire to labor in God's Word and doctrine.

2 Tim 2:15-STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF
APPROVED UNTO GOD. A Christian is to study.

2 Tim 2:20-BUT IN A GREAT HOUSE THERE
ARE NOT ONLY VESSELS OF GOLD AND OF SILVER, BUT ALSO OF WOOD AND OF EARTH;
AND SOME TO HONOR, AND SOME TO DISHONOUR.

2 Tim 2:21-IF A MAN THEREFORE PURGE
HIMSELF FROM THESE, HE SHALL BE A VESSEL UNTO HONOR, SANCTIFIED, AND
MEET FOR THE MASTER'S USE, AND PREPARED UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK. A
Christian is to rid himself of all distractions that he may be ready for
every good work.

In this lukewarm generation of distorted
teaching, with truth and falsehoods mixed together, consider these great
men and women of faith.

Heb 11:35-38-WOMEN RECEIVED THEIR DEAD
RAISED TO LIFE AGAIN: AND OTHERS WERE TORTURED, NOT ACCEPTING DELIVERANCE;
THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION:

AND OTHERS HAD TRIAL OF CRUEL MOCKINGS
AND SCOURGINGS, YEA, MOREOVER OF BONDS AND IMPRISONMENT:

THEY WERE STONED, THEY WERE SAWN
ASUNDER, WERE TEMPTED, WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD: THEY WANDERED
ABOUT IN SHEEPSKINS AND GOATSKINS; BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED,
TORMENTED;

(OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY:) THEY
WANDERED IN DESERTS, AND IN MOUNTAINS, AND IN DENS
AND CAVES OF THE EARTH.

16. WILL I GRANT TO SIT WITH ME IN MY
THRONE-Rev 3:21, the seventh church. The Millennium.

THE COMING OF
JESUS MENTIONED IN THEFOURTH, FIFTH, AND SIXTH CHURCHES1782-5A-4

The doctrines of the fourth, fifth, and
sixth churches are present with us today in this last Laodicean church
age. As a result, we see, in various forms, references made to the coming
of Jesus in each of these.